Cooking the Favorite Food of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in Madinah

In the heart of Madinah, amidst the serene ambiance of the sacred city, we embarked on a unique culinary journey by preparing dishes beloved by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) . This spiritual experience intertwined the beauty of Islamic traditions with the joy of sharing meals, bringing to life an authentic connection to the Sunnah. Cooking these cherished recipes not only provided insight into the Prophet's (ﷺ) preferences but also served as a reminder of the simplicity and mindfulness that characterized his life.

Our journey began with a visit to the bustling local markets of Madinah, rich with cultural heritage and vibrant energy. The marketplaces—alive with vendors selling fresh produce, fragrant spices, and traditional bread—provided the perfect setting to gather the ingredients necessary for this sacred culinary adventure. Some key items on our shopping list included:

• Desi Ghee: Goat’s ghee imported from Jordan, prized for its rich flavor and health benefits.
• Meat: Fresh shoulder cuts of goat meat, a favorite of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), selected for its tenderness and flavor.
• Whole Barley: Essential for preparing Talbina, a Sunnah dish known for its healing properties.
• Fresh Milk: Locally sourced, used to enhance the creamy texture of Talbina.
• Saudi Sidr Honey: Renowned for its natural sweetness and medicinal qualities, integral to traditional recipes.

The bustling environment of the marketplace made the experience all the more immersive, offering a glimpse into the communal spirit that is central to Islamic culture.

Cooking in the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) Garden

The preparation took place in Mazra Al-Aliya, a historic garden that once belonged to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). This garden, gifted to the Prophet (ﷺ) by a Jewish companion who embraced Islam, served as the perfect backdrop to immerse ourselves in this meaningful cooking experience. With its lush greenery, date palm trees, and the serene sounds of birds and livestock, the garden provided a tranquil setting that evoked the simplicity and natural beauty of life during the time of the Prophet (ﷺ).

In this sacred space, we focused on two beloved dishes: Tharid and Talbina.

Preparing Tharid

Tharid, a hearty meat stew served over soaked bread, was cherished by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). He described it as superior among dishes, much like the superiority of Aisha (RA) over other women. The preparation process was both simple and deeply rewarding:

• Ingredients: Fresh goat shoulder, whole spices (cinnamon, cloves, cardamom), salt, and Desi Ghee were gathered for the stew.
• Cooking: The meat was simmered with aromatic spices in a pressure cooker for about 40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Assembly: The stew was poured generously over traditional bread, allowing the juices to soak in and create a hearty, flavorful meal. The bread—soft and porous—acted as the perfect base to absorb the rich flavors of the stew.

The process of preparing Tharid reminded us of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) teachings about gratitude and the value of simple, wholesome meals. Every step was infused with mindfulness, reflecting the spiritual significance of food in Islam.

Making Talbina

Talbina, a soothing barley porridge, holds a special place in Islamic tradition. Known for its healing properties, Talbina is recommended in the Sunnah for alleviating sadness and promoting recovery from illness. Here's how we prepared this nutritious dish:

• Milk & Barley: Fresh milk was brought to a gentle simmer, and whole barley was added to the pot. The barley—a Sunnah grain—was cooked until it reached a creamy consistency.
• Honey: Generous drizzles of Saudi Sidr honey were added to enhance the natural sweetness of the porridge.
• Cooking: The mixture was stirred continuously over low heat to achieve a smooth texture. Once thickened, it was served warm in earthenware bowls.

The soothing aroma of the Talbina filled the garden, creating an atmosphere of comfort and warmth. As we prepared the dish, we reflected on its healing qualities, both physical and emotional, and its connection to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) timeless wisdom.

The Spiritual Significance

Both Tharid and Talbina are more than just delicious dishes; they hold profound spiritual and health benefits:

Tharid: Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) likened this dish to the superiority of Aisha (RA) over other women. Its rich flavor and nourishment make it a perfect comfort food. Eating Tharid is a way to connect with the simplicity and humility of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) life.

Talbina: This barley porridge is highly recommended in Islamic traditions for its healing properties. The Prophet  (ﷺ) mentioned that Talbina helps alleviate sadness and provides comfort to the heart, making it a dish of both physical and emotional healing.

Preparing and sharing these dishes reminded us of the importance of mindfulness and gratitude in every aspect of life, especially when it comes to food.

Sharing the Barakah

In the spirit of the Sunnah, we shared the prepared dishes with neighbors, friends, and members of the local community. Distributing food is a deeply rewarding act that fosters a sense of unity and increases blessings (Barakah) in life. Sharing meals is not only a way to nourish the body but also a means to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.

As we sat together to enjoy the meal, the sense of community and connection was palpable. The act of sharing food transcended the boundaries of language and culture, uniting everyone in a shared appreciation of the Sunnah and its timeless teachings.

Exploring the Garden

While the dishes cooked, we took the opportunity to explore Mazra Al-Aliya. This historic garden is home to ducks, chickens, and goats, offering a glimpse into the simplicity and tranquility of life during the time of the Prophet (ﷺ). The gentle rustling of leaves and the soft cooing of birds created a peaceful ambiance that perfectly complemented the cooking experience.

The garden’s rich history and connection to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) made the experience even more meaningful. Walking through the lush greenery, we felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the spiritual and natural beauty of this sacred space.

Why You Should Try This Experience

Cooking these traditional dishes is more than just a culinary activity; it’s a way to connect deeply with Islamic heritage and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Whether you’re seeking to honor the Sunnah, explore new flavors, or simply enjoy wholesome, nourishing meals, Tharid and Talbina are must-tries.

Beyond the recipes themselves, this experience offers a chance to reflect on the values of simplicity, mindfulness, and community that lie at the heart of Islamic teachings. It’s a reminder that food is not just sustenance but a means of bringing people together and fostering gratitude for Allah’s blessings.

Conclusion

This journey to prepare the favorite foods of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in Madinah was a unique blend of history, spirituality, and flavor. From sourcing ingredients in the bustling markets to cooking in the serene setting of Mazra Al-Aliya, every step was a reminder of the blessings of simplicity and sharing.

So, gather your loved ones, try these recipes, and enjoy a taste of tradition infused with timeless Barakah. The spiritual nourishment you gain from this experience will stay with you long after the meal is over.

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